India: Hindus stage ritual fire fight to appease goddess Durga

Hundreds of Hindu devotees celebrated Agni Keli, also known as the holy fire fight, in Mangalore District, southwest India, on Thursday. They threw burning palm fronds at each other in order to appease the Hindu goddess Durga.

Devotees split into two groups and started the event from a distance of around 10 to 15 metres (33 to 50ft). Having five possible throws, participants try to hit as many devotees from the opposing group as they can. The fiery action attracts thousands of spectators, who watch as the torch-wielding men try to set each other ablaze.